Farmpally Advises on How to Care and Cope with Old Dogs
Your dog has been with you for a long time, therefore, it is important to know how to offer him the best care.
Here are a few tips on how to take care of your loyal friend to minimize the chances of living with aging characterized diseases.
Aging effects on Dogs
All dogs are different and life expectancy depends on the breed and other factors.
Even if you know how old your dog is, it can be more difficult to gauge how well he is aging.
Veterinarians look at the dog’s physiological condition.
As a rule, dogs of small and medium-sized breeds show their first signs of age from the age of seven, in large and very large breeds this begins at around five years of age.
Signs can include dull and dry fur, stiff joints, less energy, weight gain, more thirst, digestive problems, or loss of muscle mass.
While genes and the environment play a huge role in how quickly your dog ages, you can have a huge impact on his or her health.
By feeding high-quality dog food that is tailored to the needs of the appropriate phase of life, you can help him stay in optimal body condition.
Foods for Senior Dogs
Dogs of all ages need the same basic ingredients in their diet. But as they get older, they will need different amounts of certain nutrients to support their health, just like in humans. check out for more information online and do not forget to look for Hemp dog treats as well.
The age at which your dog is referred to as “mature” or “older” depends heavily on the breed.
As a guideline, dogs are matured at 18 months and become aged at 4 years.
Here are some things to look out for when buying food for your older dog:
High quality protein : A large proportion of dog food should be protein.
Make sure it comes from animal sources like chicken and not from vegetable sources.
Protein is so important because the body needs it to build and maintain muscle.
Fat : Choose a food with at least 10% fat.
This supports skin and coat health; it also provides the body with the essential fatty acids it needs. Never leave out the fat completely.
Dietary fiber : Choose a food that does not contain more than 5% dietary fiber.
This contributes to a healthy digestive tract and supports the dog in the absorption of vital substances.
Antioxidants : These clever molecules protect the immune system by ridding the body of free radicals that can damage cell membranes and DNA.
Changes in Appetite in Oder Dogs
As dogs get older, they tend to have less appetite. They often burn less energy, so their appetite naturally decreases.
Loss of appetite can have various reasons, such as mouth or dental problems.
So, if your dog suddenly changes behavior, the best thing to do is to take him to the vet for a checkup – Farmpally opined.
The most important thing when feeding your older dog is finding a nutrient-rich food that your dog will be happy to eat.
Choose a food that will help minimize joint stress and aid teeth and digestion.
Feeding schedule for Senior Dogs
Since older dogs tend to eat less than their younger dogs, it can be helpful to split the food over two or three meals.
Try a morning and evening meal, or a traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.
By only feeding at certain times, the food in the bowl does not seem to be as much, and it is fresher and therefore more appealing.
Timed feedings have the added benefit of stimulating the metabolism, which will help your dog maintain his ideal weight.
Even if your dog is “okay for retirement” based on his age, his body doesn’t have to be.
At farmpally, we conducted an in- depth observation with real dogs that showed that our exceptional diet, combined with proper care, can help dogs live longer than the age range typical for their breed.
By feeding your dog a food tailored to their stage of life, you will help them continue to feel young.
